Perioperative management of the thoracotomy patient

The perioperative management of the thoracotomy patient must be both specific and flexible. The assessment of preoperative information yields information as to operability and resectability. Once anesthesia is administered for operative procedures, however, techniques and methods must be changed to accommodate additional information obtained during the surgical procedure. The preoperative and intraoperative management is focused on improving pulmonary function during the postoperative period and improving outcome. Significant advances in pain management techniques have evolved within the last 10 to 15 years. Relieving the intense pain associated with a thoracotomy incision not only improves patient well-being, but improves breathing patterns and pulmonary function, resulting in a more comfortable and ambulatory patient. Epidural analgesia, intrathecal analgesia, intrapleural installation of local anesthetics, and PCA are but a few of the techniques that enhance the therapeutic armamentarium and improve the postoperative course. Inasmuch as surgical extirpation of lung cancers remains the best hope of survival for many patients, a detailed and aggressive management plan is necessary to achieve the desired result.